Why we celebrate international days: your questions answered

Holidays vary around the world, but there are some observances that virtually every country shares: the UN’s international days.

Nearly every global issue you can think of has an international day dedicated to it. There are some we’ve all heard of, like International Women’s Day. Others, like World Tuna Day, are less well-known.

But how did international days come into being and why do they matter?

What are international days and why should I care?

Since it was founded in 1945, the UN has designated around 200 days linked to its main areas of work: peace, development, human rights, justice and humanitarian action.

These days shine a light on global problems, like depleting water resources and memorialize unthinkable tragedies, like the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

But they also celebrate human achievements, from the vital role rural women play in society, to scientific contributions transforming countless lives.

Above all, international days are reminders that we’re all members of a global family, with a shared past, present and future.

Women of the Tuduu Wada Rice Processors Women's Cooperative gather around new equipment provided by IFAD in Nigeria. © IFAD/ Bernard Kalu

 

Who decides on international days?

Any UN Member State can propose a new international day which is then voted on at the General Assembly.

Usually, specific UN agencies lead on each international day. They use their expertise to identify the day’s focus, spread awareness and coordinate partners.

Some days are also proclaimed by the agencies themselves to draw attention to an issue they work on. For instance, 16 October was designated as World Food Day by FAO in 1979.

Can one day really make a difference?

The UN is working on these issues 365 days a year, but these international days make a difference to people’s lives in the long run by serving as a catalyst for the world to realign efforts and renew commitments to essential issues.

They’re a way of raising awareness, getting political buy-in and achieving financial commitments. They’re also an opportunity to revitalize global rallying cries, like achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By creating unity around our world’s most pressing issues, international days can lead to lasting change.

Which international days are relevant to rural people?

All international days are relevant to everyone, but there are some that IFAD always marks on its calendar.

• 8 March International Women’s Day: Celebrate women at the frontlines of sustainable development.
• 22 March Water Day: Water is life for farmers, fishers and all rural producers, so on this day we commit to using it wisely.
• 22 April Earth Day: Recognize the crucial role that farmers play in preserving our ecosystems.

• 22 May Biodiversity Day: Acknowledge the importance of conserving biodiversity for rural prosperity, our food systems and the planet.
• 5 June Environment Day: Challenge the myths about rural people and the environment.
• 16 June Remittances Day: Remittances are a lifeline to millions of rural people, so on this day we recognize the crucial contribution of the 200 million migrant workers who send money home to their families.
• 9 August Indigenous Peoples Day: Celebrate the custodians of lands and natural resources.
• 12 August Youth Day: Recognize the people who shape our future.
• 29 September Food Waste Day Learn how rural people are preventing food loss and waste.
• 15 October Rural Women’s Day: Raise your voice for rural women.
• 16 October World Food Day: Celebrate those who feed the world.
• 3 December Day of Persons with Disabilities: Celebrate persons with disabilities as equal contributors to rural societies.

The UN also celebrates international years and decades, with ongoing events to spread awareness and build momentum around an issue. Right now, we’re in the UN Decade of Family Farming (2019–2028) which celebrates the small-scale farmers who safeguard our food systems, economies and natural resources.

 

Small-scale farmers from the El Carmen Unidos group grow plantains and bananas in Colombia. © IFAD/Panos Pictures/Xavier Cervera

 

How can I celebrate international days?

Learn more about the issues and what you can do about them from reputable sources. Each international day has a page with resources and information developed by the world’s leading experts, as well as links to events both online and in person.

Share what you learn. Post about it on social media and tell other people about it. By raising awareness, you can be part of the UN and humanity’s shared mission: a future of peace, human rights and sustainable development.

Take a look at the complete list of UN international days and weeks to learn more about the issues shaping our past, present and future.

publication-date: 11 Janeiro 2024